Short answer: it depends on the class you’re comparing within. The HD3 ranks #29 of 48 in the small powered bookshelf class at $359; the R1700BT ranks #88 of 108 in the larger bookshelf-medium class at $219.99, $139.01 less.
Neither speaker has a single listed pro, which puts the weight on the cons. The HD3’s are a small woofer without much deep bass, slightly boosted treble, and a high price for what it offers. The R1700BT’s are a more V-shaped tuning that isn’t quite as neutral as its own cheaper sibling, the Edifier MR4.
The HD3 at least holds a respectable position in a small field, where the R1700BT sits near the bottom of a considerably larger one.
Buy the HD3 for the stronger relative ranking if the higher price is acceptable. Buy the R1700BT to save $139.01, understanding it ranks weaker within its own larger class.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Compact powered desktop speakers with Bluetooth and analog inputs for when space is tight.
A compact powered pair with Bluetooth and analog inputs for easy desktop listening without a separate amplifier.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine HD3 | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.00 per pair | $219.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #29 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #88 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) | 10”H x 6.1”W x 8.4”D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | None |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| Drivers | 2.75” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| EQ | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Audioengine HD3: